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Be a Smart Girl
Ana, a writer and reader, is struggling to navigate a new country. When she meets Mattia, Ana decides to leave the fiancé she doesn't love.
Thrust into the opposite of her father's desires, she faces the challenge of discovering who she is as a person, raising the stakes as a woman in the 1970’s.
Their journey includes confronting her fear to mix her old world with her new world and standing up to her father and his traditions. The outcome will affect who she is and impact who she becomes.
'Perfect for Reese Witherspoon's Book Club' - Kate Norman, Editor at Hodder Fiction
'Caven is destined for big things' - Caitlin Curry, Founder of London Girls Book Club
'I loved the way Caven portrayed the agony of young adulthood and the challenges of following passion over traditional paths. It was lovely!' - Melinda Copp, Author of Love and the Downfall of Society
Thrust into the opposite of her father's desires, she faces the challenge of discovering who she is as a person, raising the stakes as a woman in the 1970’s.
Their journey includes confronting her fear to mix her old world with her new world and standing up to her father and his traditions. The outcome will affect who she is and impact who she becomes.
'Perfect for Reese Witherspoon's Book Club' - Kate Norman, Editor at Hodder Fiction
'Caven is destined for big things' - Caitlin Curry, Founder of London Girls Book Club
'I loved the way Caven portrayed the agony of young adulthood and the challenges of following passion over traditional paths. It was lovely!' - Melinda Copp, Author of Love and the Downfall of Society
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2024
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 6, 2025
Be a Smart Girl is a novel that touches on themes of generational trauma, the pressures of being a successful immigrant daughter, and the search for self amidst familial and societal expectations. However, while the themes present in the book aim for complexity, the execution often falls short, making the narrative feel somewhat disjointed and rushed.
From the start, the writing feels quite young, almost simplistic in style. It was initially hard to even discern the gender of the main character, which made it difficult to connect with her early on. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the novel attempts to explore numerous complex topics such as heritage, identity, and belonging, but these themes felt more like surface-level inclusions rather than deeply explored ideas. It seems as though the book wanted to present itself as profound, but never quite reached that level, leaving much of the story feeling underdeveloped.
One of the key themes of the novel is generational trauma and the challenge of living up to the high expectations placed on immigrant daughters. This is something I personally related to as a daughter of immigrants, constantly trying to balance my cultural heritage with the pressure to succeed. However, while the novel clearly had this theme running throughout, I found that it often skimmed over deeper emotional reflections. For example, the main character’s struggle to connect with her family and heritage is introduced, but never fully revisited in a way that would have added depth and emotional resonance.
The pacing of Be a Smart Girl was another issue. At times, the story felt rushed, jumping from one major life event to another without much reflection or development in between. Characters were introduced seemingly for their connection to the main character, but were then left without backstory or significance. For instance, some characters felt like they were just there to propel the plot forward, but didn’t feel fleshed out enough for readers to become emotionally invested in them. This made the novel’s attempts to explore relationships—both romantic and platonic—feel somewhat superficial.
Additionally, the story includes some random, jarring moments, such as the sudden mention of the main character's first kiss, which is immediately followed by her moving to Chicago. These transitions felt abrupt, leaving certain sections of the book feeling more like a patchwork of disconnected events rather than a cohesive narrative.
Though the novel is set in the 1970s, the historical context of the time, especially regarding the feminist movement, didn’t seem to impact the characters in any meaningful way. It would have been fascinating to see how the main character and her friends navigated the challenges and opportunities that the feminist movement might have offered during that era, but this was never explored in depth.
One phrase that recurs throughout the novel—"be a smart girl"—felt like a wordplay or an aesthetic choice, rather than a meaningful commentary on the generational trauma the main character faced. It was used repeatedly, but I would have liked to see the narrative delve deeper into what this phrase truly meant for the protagonist, especially after she moved to Chicago and began discovering herself. The lack of reflection on how her trauma influenced her decisions and relationships made it difficult to fully grasp the emotional impact of her experiences.
While the novel's romance and friendship scenes were enjoyable and well-written, much of the plot felt rushed, and the book as a whole often gave the impression of being complex without truly delving into the deeper implications of its themes. At times, it read like fan fiction—easily digestible but lacking the kind of depth that would make the characters’ experiences feel fully realized.
In the end, Be a Smart Girl presents an interesting premise and touches on themes that are highly relevant, especially for those of us who understand the pressures of being an immigrant daughter. However, the novel ultimately fails to explore these ideas in a meaningful way, leaving the reader with a sense that much more could have been said about the impact of generational trauma and how it shapes one's identity🫶❤️
From the start, the writing feels quite young, almost simplistic in style. It was initially hard to even discern the gender of the main character, which made it difficult to connect with her early on. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the novel attempts to explore numerous complex topics such as heritage, identity, and belonging, but these themes felt more like surface-level inclusions rather than deeply explored ideas. It seems as though the book wanted to present itself as profound, but never quite reached that level, leaving much of the story feeling underdeveloped.
One of the key themes of the novel is generational trauma and the challenge of living up to the high expectations placed on immigrant daughters. This is something I personally related to as a daughter of immigrants, constantly trying to balance my cultural heritage with the pressure to succeed. However, while the novel clearly had this theme running throughout, I found that it often skimmed over deeper emotional reflections. For example, the main character’s struggle to connect with her family and heritage is introduced, but never fully revisited in a way that would have added depth and emotional resonance.
The pacing of Be a Smart Girl was another issue. At times, the story felt rushed, jumping from one major life event to another without much reflection or development in between. Characters were introduced seemingly for their connection to the main character, but were then left without backstory or significance. For instance, some characters felt like they were just there to propel the plot forward, but didn’t feel fleshed out enough for readers to become emotionally invested in them. This made the novel’s attempts to explore relationships—both romantic and platonic—feel somewhat superficial.
Additionally, the story includes some random, jarring moments, such as the sudden mention of the main character's first kiss, which is immediately followed by her moving to Chicago. These transitions felt abrupt, leaving certain sections of the book feeling more like a patchwork of disconnected events rather than a cohesive narrative.
Though the novel is set in the 1970s, the historical context of the time, especially regarding the feminist movement, didn’t seem to impact the characters in any meaningful way. It would have been fascinating to see how the main character and her friends navigated the challenges and opportunities that the feminist movement might have offered during that era, but this was never explored in depth.
One phrase that recurs throughout the novel—"be a smart girl"—felt like a wordplay or an aesthetic choice, rather than a meaningful commentary on the generational trauma the main character faced. It was used repeatedly, but I would have liked to see the narrative delve deeper into what this phrase truly meant for the protagonist, especially after she moved to Chicago and began discovering herself. The lack of reflection on how her trauma influenced her decisions and relationships made it difficult to fully grasp the emotional impact of her experiences.
While the novel's romance and friendship scenes were enjoyable and well-written, much of the plot felt rushed, and the book as a whole often gave the impression of being complex without truly delving into the deeper implications of its themes. At times, it read like fan fiction—easily digestible but lacking the kind of depth that would make the characters’ experiences feel fully realized.
In the end, Be a Smart Girl presents an interesting premise and touches on themes that are highly relevant, especially for those of us who understand the pressures of being an immigrant daughter. However, the novel ultimately fails to explore these ideas in a meaningful way, leaving the reader with a sense that much more could have been said about the impact of generational trauma and how it shapes one's identity🫶❤️
October 17, 2025
the author deleted my initial review. this book is in desperate need of a editor. it's not cohesive, it feels like a mish-mash of different ideas. check my Instagram for full review
July 12, 2024
Set in the 1970s, Be a Smart Girl tells the story of Anastasia, a first generation immigrant striving to find her way in a world that she was shielded from in her youth as well as her young adult life. As fate would have it, she meets a group of young college students who show her that she is not her past and she is able to change her life as many times as she wants until she finds the one that is meant for her.
I laughed, I cried, and felt insurmountable joy for the characters within the pages of this novel. Each and every one became that of a friend, and their relationships so real that it felt as though I was experiencing these triumphs and devastations with them. Both platonic, romantic, and familial relationships abound within this story, but none more important than the other. Although romance is woven into the story, it was not overpowering, giving Ana the spotlight while she discovers herself, alongside her companions and partner. However, MATTIA RICCI I LOVE YOU. Mwah.
It was extremely hopeful to see Ana learn how to forgive but not forget the way others have hurt her and know that holding resentment towards them does nothing but cause her heartache in the long run. It was refreshing to see a character I saw a lot of myself in, learn to set important boundaries, while not forgetting where she has been. The scene where the novel gets its name caused me to put down my book, and silently let a few tears fall, knowing how many other women have been in this same position, told these same things, afraid of what defying it might mean.
I cannot wait for the world to hold this novel in their hands. Mia, you have created something beautiful and I’m incredibly proud of you!
I laughed, I cried, and felt insurmountable joy for the characters within the pages of this novel. Each and every one became that of a friend, and their relationships so real that it felt as though I was experiencing these triumphs and devastations with them. Both platonic, romantic, and familial relationships abound within this story, but none more important than the other. Although romance is woven into the story, it was not overpowering, giving Ana the spotlight while she discovers herself, alongside her companions and partner. However, MATTIA RICCI I LOVE YOU. Mwah.
It was extremely hopeful to see Ana learn how to forgive but not forget the way others have hurt her and know that holding resentment towards them does nothing but cause her heartache in the long run. It was refreshing to see a character I saw a lot of myself in, learn to set important boundaries, while not forgetting where she has been. The scene where the novel gets its name caused me to put down my book, and silently let a few tears fall, knowing how many other women have been in this same position, told these same things, afraid of what defying it might mean.
I cannot wait for the world to hold this novel in their hands. Mia, you have created something beautiful and I’m incredibly proud of you!
June 27, 2024
Be a Smart Girl by Mia Caven beautifully encapsulates the human experience. Placed in the shoes of a woman estranged to herself, the reader becomes wholly immersed in the self discovery journey that Ana undergoes. Each chapter unfolds as Ana’s heart does and within each page lies digestible yet profound statements on societal and individual experiences. Written with a perfect ratio of complex ideas to familiar language, this book is pleasantly digestible and can be read in one sitting (if one has the time)! A novel that perfectly intertwines the concepts of loss, love, anger, growth, grief, traditions, masochism, expectations, mortality, forgiveness, and ultimately the creation of “home”, Be a Smart Girl will inevitably touch the soul of any person who is lucky enough to be graced by its words.
December 7, 2025
“What do you do when you hate yourself and all the people you’re supposed to love?”
July 18, 2024
so honoured to have received an arc of this!!
i loved getting to know all the characters, Ana and Mattia’s relationship was so wholesome !! seeing it evolve and Ana find herself was such a lovely experience.
the value placed on the women in Ana’s life was wonderful also as we often don’t see that in romance books.
i really enjoyed the time period it was set in and i definitely want to read more books set during roe v wade.
i loved getting to know all the characters, Ana and Mattia’s relationship was so wholesome !! seeing it evolve and Ana find herself was such a lovely experience.
the value placed on the women in Ana’s life was wonderful also as we often don’t see that in romance books.
i really enjoyed the time period it was set in and i definitely want to read more books set during roe v wade.
August 6, 2024
Be a Smart Girl by Mia Caven - Review
4.5⭐️
First of all I have been a follower of Mia for such a long time and I just love her vibes 😍
I am therefore so grateful and honoured to be able to read this arc 🥰
And wow the premise was so promising and Mia definitely delivered!!
Be a Smart Girl encapsulates human experiences and finding yourself even when you grew up differently in the 1970s. Anastasia is a writer and reader, who is on her journey of self discovery. When she meets Mattia, she learns why she was with her prior fiancé and decides to “be a smart girl” and choose for herself instead of do what is expected. It immerses the reader into her journey that includes the confrontations between her new self and the traditions of her family and how they clash.
The relationships are just so beautifully written, and they felt so real. Friendships, romantic relationships, platonic relationships and familiar relations all were so important! The romance was woven into the story in such a way that the self discovery of Ana still got the spotlight.
How she acknowledges the hurt and has to find a way to deal with it is just so raw.
This was just the perfect book for me to rewind with, after hiking all day. I just loved everything about it. The only point of feedback that I have is that it was too short, I would have loved to have some more background sometimes the pacing was just too fast for my liking.
This book had me feeling all the emotions, but if it had been a bit longer I would have been even more invested in the characters.
It was such a refreshing story to read and I cannot recommend it enough.
There is literally no book to compare this with. And I cannot wait for you guys to get your hands on this masterpiece.
Release date: 31st of August
4.5⭐️
First of all I have been a follower of Mia for such a long time and I just love her vibes 😍
I am therefore so grateful and honoured to be able to read this arc 🥰
And wow the premise was so promising and Mia definitely delivered!!
Be a Smart Girl encapsulates human experiences and finding yourself even when you grew up differently in the 1970s. Anastasia is a writer and reader, who is on her journey of self discovery. When she meets Mattia, she learns why she was with her prior fiancé and decides to “be a smart girl” and choose for herself instead of do what is expected. It immerses the reader into her journey that includes the confrontations between her new self and the traditions of her family and how they clash.
The relationships are just so beautifully written, and they felt so real. Friendships, romantic relationships, platonic relationships and familiar relations all were so important! The romance was woven into the story in such a way that the self discovery of Ana still got the spotlight.
How she acknowledges the hurt and has to find a way to deal with it is just so raw.
This was just the perfect book for me to rewind with, after hiking all day. I just loved everything about it. The only point of feedback that I have is that it was too short, I would have loved to have some more background sometimes the pacing was just too fast for my liking.
This book had me feeling all the emotions, but if it had been a bit longer I would have been even more invested in the characters.
It was such a refreshing story to read and I cannot recommend it enough.
There is literally no book to compare this with. And I cannot wait for you guys to get your hands on this masterpiece.
Release date: 31st of August
October 6, 2024
Be a Smart Girl Review:
4.5 ✨
Be a smart girl by Mia Caven
Guest Review by Caitlin Curry for London Girls Book Club 💖
Be a Smart Girl is a letter to your younger self, a letter to daughters and women everywhere. For everyone person that has said ‘be smart’, ‘make the right decision’ when really they mean:
- don’t sleep around
- marry rich
- look pretty
- do well in school
This book was full of gorgeous friendship moments, and shone a light on that moment when you just feel truly loved and yourself with the people around you & how when you’re with the right people, they light you up inside and out and make you a better person.
The story starts with Ana in an abusive relationship, and expands continents from Greece, the UK and Chicago. It is situated in the 70’s during the Roe Vs Wade protests and gives a glimpse into a time of the civil rights movement.
You watch her grow and change, visit wonderful libraries, fall in love, enjoy sex , stand up to her family, go through grief and ultimately come out of the other end in the best era of her life, with the most supportive people around her. I won’t spoil too much, but you need to read this book.
It’s beautiful, full of love and makes you feel warm inside. You fall in love with each and every character and end up wanting to move in with them all. The way the characters handle love and loss is just perfect. The memories, the moments created and recreated are super special.
It’s intoxicating and hard to put down and the fact that it is a debut and not edited and also that Mia has 3 more books that she has written, is nothing short of incredible and I’ll shout it from the rooftops telling everyone to read it 😆
@miacaven I believe is destined for huge things, I have always believed I am a good judge of character and Mia is one of the special ones.
Look out for her books, if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on this pls read it somewhere special to you & treat yourself like this book does!!!!
What a dream to read, and such a special place to finish the book, as you will see as the story develops. Serendipity is a wonderful thing 🥰
Have you read anything similar to this before? 📖
4.5 ✨
Be a smart girl by Mia Caven
Guest Review by Caitlin Curry for London Girls Book Club 💖
Be a Smart Girl is a letter to your younger self, a letter to daughters and women everywhere. For everyone person that has said ‘be smart’, ‘make the right decision’ when really they mean:
- don’t sleep around
- marry rich
- look pretty
- do well in school
This book was full of gorgeous friendship moments, and shone a light on that moment when you just feel truly loved and yourself with the people around you & how when you’re with the right people, they light you up inside and out and make you a better person.
The story starts with Ana in an abusive relationship, and expands continents from Greece, the UK and Chicago. It is situated in the 70’s during the Roe Vs Wade protests and gives a glimpse into a time of the civil rights movement.
You watch her grow and change, visit wonderful libraries, fall in love, enjoy sex , stand up to her family, go through grief and ultimately come out of the other end in the best era of her life, with the most supportive people around her. I won’t spoil too much, but you need to read this book.
It’s beautiful, full of love and makes you feel warm inside. You fall in love with each and every character and end up wanting to move in with them all. The way the characters handle love and loss is just perfect. The memories, the moments created and recreated are super special.
It’s intoxicating and hard to put down and the fact that it is a debut and not edited and also that Mia has 3 more books that she has written, is nothing short of incredible and I’ll shout it from the rooftops telling everyone to read it 😆
@miacaven I believe is destined for huge things, I have always believed I am a good judge of character and Mia is one of the special ones.
Look out for her books, if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on this pls read it somewhere special to you & treat yourself like this book does!!!!
What a dream to read, and such a special place to finish the book, as you will see as the story develops. Serendipity is a wonderful thing 🥰
Have you read anything similar to this before? 📖
October 31, 2024
Mia Caven’s ‘Be a Smart Girl’ encapsulates both heartwarming and heartbreaking experiences into a short novel that is inviting from the beginning. With a young narrator, we see her move through naivety into a more solidified sense of self. Through love and grief, friendship and limitations, Mia’s beautiful descriptive language takes you on a journey of self-discovery, with, I believe, the ability to connect to all who choose to let this book into their lives.
Although detailing the difficulties of a woman in the 1970’s, many perspectives, ideologies and fears portrayed through Ana’s experience ring true today. Exploring the feelings of breaking free from societal expectations of womanhood, seeing Ana grow to make her own choices, and stand up against misogyny and sexism, is a beautiful, yet sometimes upsetting, pleasure to read. Given the length of the novel, these ideas are sometimes more surface-level, but I feel this doesn’t take away from the importance these topics hold for the characters.
As much as this book focuses on romance, we see loving connections in friendships too, noting the importance of love in all aspects of life. A joy to read! A wonderful novel that leaves you wanting more.
Although detailing the difficulties of a woman in the 1970’s, many perspectives, ideologies and fears portrayed through Ana’s experience ring true today. Exploring the feelings of breaking free from societal expectations of womanhood, seeing Ana grow to make her own choices, and stand up against misogyny and sexism, is a beautiful, yet sometimes upsetting, pleasure to read. Given the length of the novel, these ideas are sometimes more surface-level, but I feel this doesn’t take away from the importance these topics hold for the characters.
As much as this book focuses on romance, we see loving connections in friendships too, noting the importance of love in all aspects of life. A joy to read! A wonderful novel that leaves you wanting more.
August 28, 2024
This is such a beautiful story of finding yourself and your chosen family and doing all the things that make you happy. This is such a vivid and beautiful story and Mia has such an incredible way with words, it’s so easy to imagine each scene. This book made me laugh, cry, and feel hopeful. Read this book. You won’t regret it. (I rated this a 4.75 on storygraph and really wish i could here too because this book is just so so good and nuanced.)
November 16, 2024
Such a gorgeous wholesome book. Elegantly discussing feminism in a passionate way that heavily resonates with me. Totally what I needed right now :). Well done Mia! Xx
July 29, 2024
"Be a Smart Girl" is a delightful debut, offering a quick and heartwarming read.
The story l explores Anastasia’s self-discovery against the backdrop of the 1970s feminist movement, delving into themes of friendship, familial bonds, love, loss, and female solidarity.
I really enjoyed it! It was such a sweet read, and I had a great time reading the book. The book’s balance of heartfelt moments and insightful commentary on societal issues made it an engaging read.
Thank you, @miacaven, for the ARC! Excited to read more from you in the future 🌸
The story l explores Anastasia’s self-discovery against the backdrop of the 1970s feminist movement, delving into themes of friendship, familial bonds, love, loss, and female solidarity.
I really enjoyed it! It was such a sweet read, and I had a great time reading the book. The book’s balance of heartfelt moments and insightful commentary on societal issues made it an engaging read.
Thank you, @miacaven, for the ARC! Excited to read more from you in the future 🌸
July 21, 2024
Mia Caven’s debut novel is a quick, easy, enticing read. She’s captured the fast growth of a young woman, and every type of love she felt with all their nuances; platonic love between best friends, familial love between sisters, familial love witnessed between parents and their son, romantic love between lovers, collective love for feminine empowerment, and the love left unexpressed when lying in grief. This book is inspiring, heartfelt, raw, and just overall lovely.
December 11, 2024
what a read y'all!!!!
thank you so much to Mia for sending me an e-arc!!
this stunning read is set in the 70s where we follow our FMC, Anastasia, who is a first generation immigrant from Greece trying to find her way in the world as a woman. i loved being able to follow her as she meets new people who support and encourage her unconditionally and show her that she has the ability to change her life if she wishes. i get goosebumps just thinking about how beautifully written this book was and how i got see Anastasia coming into her own.
i loved the friendship Anastasia and Creole built and i am the biggest sucker for beautiful female friendships and this one definitely had been pulling at my heart strings. i truly loved every relationship represented in this book from the friendships to the familiar relations.
the romantic relationship was also stunningly written and i couldn't help but swoon at Mattia. their relationship portrayed the epitome of true love and i loved every second of their interactions, from the moment they met to the end.
thank you so much to Mia for sending me an e-arc!!
this stunning read is set in the 70s where we follow our FMC, Anastasia, who is a first generation immigrant from Greece trying to find her way in the world as a woman. i loved being able to follow her as she meets new people who support and encourage her unconditionally and show her that she has the ability to change her life if she wishes. i get goosebumps just thinking about how beautifully written this book was and how i got see Anastasia coming into her own.
i loved the friendship Anastasia and Creole built and i am the biggest sucker for beautiful female friendships and this one definitely had been pulling at my heart strings. i truly loved every relationship represented in this book from the friendships to the familiar relations.
the romantic relationship was also stunningly written and i couldn't help but swoon at Mattia. their relationship portrayed the epitome of true love and i loved every second of their interactions, from the moment they met to the end.
June 26, 2024
what a lovely debut!! thank you to mia for sending me an arc to read in exchange for an honest review!!
where to begin with this! well for starters, AHHHHHHHHHH
this book was something i felt so deeply, being a greek gal myself and living an ocean away from so much of my family and heritage. the use of greek words interspersed throughout and references to the machismo culture which is very much still alive and thriving though especially clear in our villages just brought me back to similar experiences in my own life.
besides the connection i felt on a cultural level, i find that this looming sense of patriarchal judgement and conflict is something any woman regardless of nationality can relate to on some level. for instance, a few years back when i went to visit the village my grandparents were raised in for the first time, my entire journey there was spent rolling my eyes and holding my tongue as a man i vaguely knew coming along with us went on an on dolling out judgement after judgement of literally everyone and everything. upon arrival to the village, one could find woman being told off to go bring out food or liquor - never asked - only commanded, men squinting and glancing at any woman only to give some condescending remark regarding our most delicate sensibilities or subpar intelligence. it was truly blood boiling and a main reason as to why my own mom wanted to get the fook out.
all this to say, this book captures that very feeling. that feeling of visceral female rage constantly being held back in hopes of not upsetting the dynamic, doing "too much", taking things "too seriously", being "too uptight", being just another crazy woman.
and really, at the crux of it all, being reminded to BE A SMART GIRL
AHHHHH
side note: my own papou (love him to death he is an actual angel on earth) always speaks to me in a similar way to that of how the narrator's family tends to compare her and her sister maria (oh you're such a bright girl, your sister should be like you) + my dad (also luv him to death) will maintan this expectation that being perfect as a girl, as his daughter is just the norm (ex. literally after the most horrific traumatic year of my life, i managed to miraculously pull through with a 4.0 and his reaction was oh well yeah i expected that)
I SWEAR THIS BOOK REMINDS ME OF JUST HOW CRUEL THE "SMART GIRL" ARCHETYPE CAN ACTUALLY BE AND I FEEL PISSY JUST WRITING AMOUT IT!!!
okay let me move on from THAT because i want to keep those cortisol levels stable!
the last aspect i feel deserves a whole other review dedicated soley to it is the ROMANCEEE!!
if mattia ricci has 0 fans i am dead.
because wowwowowowowowowow. mia gets it.
in the original description posted on socials about the book, there was a part of the blurb that alluded to the book being a fantasy - not in the genre sense - but rather in terms of it being an almost idealized world with a happy ending that is much harder to imagine being possible in reality.
so while you do have to suspend your sense of reality and low expectations in the world and men as a whole (lol), the payoff is so worth it and honestly so refreshing.
do you ever just get tired endlessly reading on and on about the same shitey little relationships and endings to stories making you slowly lose more and more of your hope for the state of humanity?!
:)
well i do. BUT THIS SUSPENSION OF REALITY AND DISPLAY OF RADICAL IDEALISTIC LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS AND RESOLUTIONS TO CONFLICT WAS THE OPPOSITE. yes it probably rarely ever happens because let's be honest shit happens, but THAT'S THE POINT - let your worries wash away as your a spoon fed a delightful "and they lived happily ever after" and for once feel your jaded distaste for the world and our species as a whole drift away.
tldr: a lovely lovely debut about a first generation greek immigrant living out THE DREAM of managing to grow up, take care of herself, fall in love, and find real true happiness in her life
where to begin with this! well for starters, AHHHHHHHHHH
this book was something i felt so deeply, being a greek gal myself and living an ocean away from so much of my family and heritage. the use of greek words interspersed throughout and references to the machismo culture which is very much still alive and thriving though especially clear in our villages just brought me back to similar experiences in my own life.
besides the connection i felt on a cultural level, i find that this looming sense of patriarchal judgement and conflict is something any woman regardless of nationality can relate to on some level. for instance, a few years back when i went to visit the village my grandparents were raised in for the first time, my entire journey there was spent rolling my eyes and holding my tongue as a man i vaguely knew coming along with us went on an on dolling out judgement after judgement of literally everyone and everything. upon arrival to the village, one could find woman being told off to go bring out food or liquor - never asked - only commanded, men squinting and glancing at any woman only to give some condescending remark regarding our most delicate sensibilities or subpar intelligence. it was truly blood boiling and a main reason as to why my own mom wanted to get the fook out.
all this to say, this book captures that very feeling. that feeling of visceral female rage constantly being held back in hopes of not upsetting the dynamic, doing "too much", taking things "too seriously", being "too uptight", being just another crazy woman.
and really, at the crux of it all, being reminded to BE A SMART GIRL
AHHHHH
side note: my own papou (love him to death he is an actual angel on earth) always speaks to me in a similar way to that of how the narrator's family tends to compare her and her sister maria (oh you're such a bright girl, your sister should be like you) + my dad (also luv him to death) will maintan this expectation that being perfect as a girl, as his daughter is just the norm (ex. literally after the most horrific traumatic year of my life, i managed to miraculously pull through with a 4.0 and his reaction was oh well yeah i expected that)
I SWEAR THIS BOOK REMINDS ME OF JUST HOW CRUEL THE "SMART GIRL" ARCHETYPE CAN ACTUALLY BE AND I FEEL PISSY JUST WRITING AMOUT IT!!!
okay let me move on from THAT because i want to keep those cortisol levels stable!
the last aspect i feel deserves a whole other review dedicated soley to it is the ROMANCEEE!!
if mattia ricci has 0 fans i am dead.
because wowwowowowowowowow. mia gets it.
in the original description posted on socials about the book, there was a part of the blurb that alluded to the book being a fantasy - not in the genre sense - but rather in terms of it being an almost idealized world with a happy ending that is much harder to imagine being possible in reality.
so while you do have to suspend your sense of reality and low expectations in the world and men as a whole (lol), the payoff is so worth it and honestly so refreshing.
do you ever just get tired endlessly reading on and on about the same shitey little relationships and endings to stories making you slowly lose more and more of your hope for the state of humanity?!
:)
well i do. BUT THIS SUSPENSION OF REALITY AND DISPLAY OF RADICAL IDEALISTIC LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS AND RESOLUTIONS TO CONFLICT WAS THE OPPOSITE. yes it probably rarely ever happens because let's be honest shit happens, but THAT'S THE POINT - let your worries wash away as your a spoon fed a delightful "and they lived happily ever after" and for once feel your jaded distaste for the world and our species as a whole drift away.
tldr: a lovely lovely debut about a first generation greek immigrant living out THE DREAM of managing to grow up, take care of herself, fall in love, and find real true happiness in her life
June 30, 2024
A heart-warming story following a female protagonist, Ana who is doing everything to break away from generational trauma and the expectations of relationships. A journey of self-discovery, feminist movement, love, and loss. This was honestly one of the most beautifully written novels I have ever read, I felt every feeling of the characters and was left wanting more at the end of each chapter. The plot and pacing were just right, and everything seemed to fall into place naturally, and it honestly had me crying, laughing and in love.
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of reading this and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys slow burn romance, feminist fiction, LGBTQ+ and all-around heart-warming stories of women and their experiences and how hard we’ve fought to be where we are today (although we still have a long way to go…its progress!). please also check out the trigger warnings before reading as it does touch on some upsetting but absolutely necessary experiences/movements which are touched on in the most educating and empowering way.
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of reading this and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys slow burn romance, feminist fiction, LGBTQ+ and all-around heart-warming stories of women and their experiences and how hard we’ve fought to be where we are today (although we still have a long way to go…its progress!). please also check out the trigger warnings before reading as it does touch on some upsetting but absolutely necessary experiences/movements which are touched on in the most educating and empowering way.
January 1, 2025
I have no words!
this book did an outstanding job of exploring generational trauma, sexuality, human rights, and feminism in the eyes of the Anastasia, (the main character) and her journey through unpacking trauma from her family and her marriage with the companionship of her friends she resides with in Chicago.
As a woman, i deeply appreciated the topics raised in this book and it was so refreshing to read a book about trauma that wasn’t too heavy to digest. In my opinion, it was perfectly written and excellently compact for a short read.
Mia Caven, you did such an amazing job!! excited to see what other books this author releases :)
this book did an outstanding job of exploring generational trauma, sexuality, human rights, and feminism in the eyes of the Anastasia, (the main character) and her journey through unpacking trauma from her family and her marriage with the companionship of her friends she resides with in Chicago.
As a woman, i deeply appreciated the topics raised in this book and it was so refreshing to read a book about trauma that wasn’t too heavy to digest. In my opinion, it was perfectly written and excellently compact for a short read.
Mia Caven, you did such an amazing job!! excited to see what other books this author releases :)
November 5, 2024
Be a smart girl is an incredible read. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of reading this book, I was hooked from the start! Personally I love books that I can connect with emotionally, and this book was exactly that. I fell in love with the characters and felt personally attached to them, felt for them and their experiences as the story develops. It is a beautifully written book and I will definitely be rereading it in the future!
Mia is an amazing author and beautiful human and I am so excited to see what she writes next!
Mia is an amazing author and beautiful human and I am so excited to see what she writes next!
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